Prospect Park Zoo Reopening Brings Wild Excitement to Beloved Brooklyn Spot

Greet the baboons, see the sea lions, and enjoy all the fun at the beloved Prospect Park Zoo, which reopened to guests after an 8-month closure.

Good news for Brooklyn families: The Prospect Park Zoo is open for the first time in eight months, and it’s hard to tell who’s more excited—the visitors or the animals.

From the baboon habitat to the emu enclosure, furry and feathered faces spent Memorial Day weekend peeking out at guests for the first time since September 29, 2023, when severe flooding left the beloved zoo—one of our favorite zoos in NYC—underwater, wiping out its electrical systems. No animals were harmed, but the zoo was closed to visitors while repairs were made.

My daughter and I joined the caravan of strollers rolling toward the entrance upon its reopening last weekend. Here's what you can expect during your next visit to the Prospect Park Zoo.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids June 2024

Light up a summer evening with free entertainment at Terhune Orchards' Firefly Festival. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Load up your calendar with dozens of FREE events taking place throughout June in New Jersey, because there's no reason summer fun has to come with a big price tag. As the days get longer, under-the-stars movies, carnivals, and other activities fill your summer roster without emptying wallets.

Swing by local fairs like West Orange Street Fair, or kick back at evening events like Wildwood Boardwalk Friday Night Fireworks.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.     

25 Brain-Boosting Baby Games and Activities

Black-and-white toys and books, like this Thremhoo foldout book, are the perfect first tummy-time playthings.

While you probably know that playing with your baby is an important way to boost their brain development, it's important to note that not all baby games are created equal. Certain activities, toys, books, and baby games do a better job than others of stimulating tiny brains, getting babies' creative juices flowing, and developing both fine and gross motor skills.

Here are 25 baby games that will keep little ones engaged and learning during tummy time, while sitting in their high chairs, or whenever you want to have some fun and give their growing brains a boost. See our Baby and Maternity Guide for all other things baby-related, from the best baby registry services to the best first birthday gifts.

MoMi Expands Access with Free Entry to New Public Plaza and Programming

Kids are drawn to the tech-filled installations in the Open Worlds exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image.

The Museum of the Moving Image has just debuted Open Worlds, a new initiative to expand access to the Queens culture spot that delivers on its promise of opening up a new world for museum patrons to relax and enjoy this local gem.

We recently checked it out and are sharing the details of our visit below. Find more cultural gems in our NYC Kids Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits.

55 Awesome Free Things To Do in DC This Summer With Kids

Cool off at one of the area's many great splash pads this summer. Photo courtesy of Montgomery Parks

School's almost out, summer is unofficially here, and we're on a mission to keep kids busy and having fun all summer long without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are tons of free things to do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this summer with kids, from free outdoor movies to free swimming pools.

Here is a list of 55 free activities for kids and families in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. How many of these free things to do in DC can your family fit in before school starts again? And don't forget: we are constantly updating our event calendar, so keep checking back for more free things to do in DC this summer with kids.

45 Awesome Free Things To Do in Atlanta This Summer With Kids

Head to Piedmont Park on July 27, 2024, to taste LOTS of ice cream in different forms (cones, cups, on a stick) and enjoy music and kids' activities. Photo courtesy of the event

"Free things to do" is our favorite phrase when it comes to kids' summer activities. ("Cheap" is a close second!) More importantly, kids are happy and worn out playing at a free park or splash pads. Since an Atlanta summer usually requires water, air conditioning, evening shade...or all three, we've kept those prerequisites in mind while gathering the best free things to do in Atlanta this summer with kids. 

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